Plastic or rubber apron-Reduces the chance ofchemical contamination of clothing.

Rubber gloves-Protects the hands and lowerarms. Gloves should extend up to the elbows.

Because of the danger of contaminating your

fingers, all precautions concerning poisons should beobserved when you are mixing photographic solutions.

Ingestion of a poisonous chemical is commonly

induced by hands that are contaminated with a toxicchemical. You should adhere to the precautionspublished for photographic chemicals to avoid contactor ingestion of poisonous or corrosive chemicals.Regardless of the antidote given to anyone that has beenaccidentally exposed to or has swallowed a poisonousor corrosive chemical, the antidote is for EMERGENCYUSE ONLY. The affected person should report to theMEDICAL DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

Respirators-Used to prevent the inhalation offumes or chemical dust. The correct cartridgemust be used for the type of chemical beingmixed as described in Navy Occupational Safetyand Health (NAVOSH) Program Manual,

OPNAVINST 5100.23 series (app. 15).Respirators must be cleaned and sanitized withalcohol and placed in an airtight bag after eachuse.

Long sleeve shirt-Used to protect the arms.

ACIDS AND ALKALIES

There are many types of acids and alkalies used in

photography. In general, acids and alkalies are similarin their injurious properties in that either may cause the

following:

The majority of photographic chemicals cause the

skin to dry out due to the removal of natural skin oils.Some types of chemistry have an accumulative nature.This is when some of the chemicals are being absorbed

into the skin layers during each exposure to thechemistry. The chemistry then replaces some of thenatural oils that lubricate the skin. Over an extendedperiod of time, which varies for different people,accumulation could result in a total breakdown of theability of the skin to produce natural fats and lubricating

oils. Extreme conditions can result in contact dermatitis.

Metol (developing agent) poisoning can be a result ofaccumulation poisoning.

Corrosion (chemical burn) by direct contact with

the skin or eyes or indirectly through the clothing.

Certain precautions must be observed in areas

where acids and strong alkalies are handled. Theseprecautions are as follows: